Samsung extends Knox security to its home appliances

Above: Jong-Hee Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device eXperience Division at Samsung Electronics.

It’s a common belief that only computers need protection against cyberattacks. But the truth is that we should keep any device with Internet access protected. Any connected device that has applications that may contain sensitive user information, such as our favorite streaming platforms, can be vulnerable to malware or virus attacks, and even worse, hackers or cybercriminals looking to steal users’ personal information.

In response to this, Samsung Electronics has taken action to protect as it aims to strengthen the security of not only individual products but also interconnected devices.

At the Samsung Developer Conference 2024 (SDC24), which was held in California earlier this month, Samsung announced plans to extend Knox Matrix from mobile devices and TVs to home appliances. Knox Matrix provides integrated protection for interconnected devices, allowing them to mutually monitor for security threats and notify users of threat-blocking measures.

In addition, Samsung plans to introduce mobile biometric authentication to its home appliances next year — eliminating the need to enter IDs and passwords and preventing login information from being exposed.

Detecting security threats and notifying users

All Samsung smart home appliances are safeguarded by Samsung Knox, a holistic and multi-defense security platform that protects users’ data from external threats including malicious software. Nonetheless, Samsung set out to build a secure environment for interconnected devices since strong connectivity between devices creates an improved user experience and protection against data exposure in the age of AI home appliances.

Knox Matrix is a security solution that comprehensively protects connected devices and networks using private blockchain technology. The system consists of Trust Chain, Cross Platform and Credential Sync.

Based on blockchain technology, Trust Chain allows connected devices to monitor each other for security threats and notifies users of threat-blocking measures if there is a problem with the security status. Cross Platform ensures consistent security standards are applied to connected devices, even if they run on different operating systems (OS) and platforms. Credential Sync encrypts data shared between devices and synchronizes credentials to maintain security.

Samsung plans to expand the application of Knox Matrix’s Trust Chain, Cross Platform and Credential Sync to major products such as the refrigerator with AI Family Hub™ beginning next year.

Introducing biometric authentication

At SDC24, Samsung also announced that Passkey will be introduced next year to the refrigerator with AI Family Hub™ as well as home appliances equipped with the 7-inch AI Home LCD screen. Part of Credential Sync, Passkey is a digital credential that allows users to log in to home appliance apps and websites using biometrics such as fingerprints on their smartphones. With the increasing use of apps and web services, the risk of password leaks is on the rise. Passkey alleviates this concern and eliminates the inconvenience of having to remember passwords for each login.

Furthermore, Samsung is planning to apply Knox Vault to its AI home appliances starting next year to further improve hardware-based security. Samsung home appliances equipped with Knox Vault will store sensitive personal information such as passwords and biometric data on a separate hardware security chip — protecting sensitive information from OS-based security breaches or physical hacks.

Additionally, Samsung conducts internal cyberattack simulations at least once a quarter to verify the security of its AI home appliances. The company’s software developers perform these hacking tests on products and services to identify vulnerabilities and create updates to address any security flaws.

“As the connected ecosystem of AI home appliances expands, the importance of security is growing exponentially,” said Miyoung Yoo, EVP and Head of the Software Development Team, Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung will continue to develop security solutions and achieve new certifications to ensure that users can experience peace of mind when using AI home appliances and services in Samsung’s ecosystem.”